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Average Ship Engineers Salary in Virginia

Ship Engineers in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $87,940. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $109,280. The significant concentration of maritime industries and naval presence in Virginia likely influences this localized pay scale, creating a unique market dynamic for these specialized professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $87,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $137,400.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,370 Ship Engineers, Virginia demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 6.05 indicates a demand for these professionals that far exceeds the national average, suggesting a robust and specialized job market within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$87,940

The average Ship Engineers in Virginia earns-19.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$42.3

Weekly

$1,691

Monthly

$7,328

Ship Engineers Salary Distribution in Virginia

Salary progression for Ship Engineers in Virginia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while senior engineers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching well into the six figures. The percentile gaps in salary data would reflect this career advancement and the value placed on seasoned professionals.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$45,050$21.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$65,955$31.7
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$81,970$39.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$109,925$52.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$137,400$66.1

Detailed Ship Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$87,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$86,726

Adjusted for COL (101.4)

The average Ship Engineer salary of $87,940 in Virginia aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This means that while the nominal salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of this income is relatively stable compared to the national standard, suggesting that the lower salary is somewhat offset by a comparable cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,370

Total Jobs

0.337

Per 1K Jobs

6.05

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Virginia has 6.0x the national concentration of Ship Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Virginia's Location Quotient of 6.05 for Ship Engineers is a powerful indicator of a highly concentrated and specialized job market. This significantly elevated quotient suggests that the state is a major hub for this profession, with a demand that is more than six times the national average relative to the workforce size, making it a prime location for those in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Ship Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Ship Engineers make in Virginia?

The median annual salary for a Ship Engineers in Virginia is $87,940. This typically ranges from $45,050 for entry-level positions to $137,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Virginia is 19.5% lower than the national median of $109,280.

Is Virginia a lucrative place for Ship Engineers?

Yes, Virginia is a highly concentrated and potentially lucrative place for Ship Engineers.While the average salary is below the national average, the extremely high Location Quotient indicates significant demand and specialization. The cost of living being close to the national average further supports the potential for good financial standing.

Is Virginia a good place to live for Ship Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

What is the average salary for a Ship Engineer in Virginia?

The average annual salary for a Ship Engineer in Virginia is $87,940.

How does Virginia's Ship Engineer salary compare to the national average?

Virginia's average salary of $87,940 is lower than the national average of $109,280.

Is the job market for Ship Engineers strong in Virginia?

Yes, the job market is exceptionally strong, indicated by a Location Quotient of 6.05, meaning the concentration of Ship Engineers is over six times the national average.

How does the cost of living in Virginia affect the Ship Engineer salary?

The cost of living in Virginia is only slightly above the national average (101.4), meaning the $87,940 salary offers relatively stable purchasing power compared to the national standard.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,370 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.337 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Ship Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virginia